Centre for Environmental Rights – Advancing Environmental Rights in South Africa

On 12 May 2022 the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment published her intention to establish a National Environmental Consultative and Advisory Forum under section 3A of the NEMA.

The Forum will advise on matters arising from applications for the suspension or postponement of compliance with the minimum emission standards (MES), which were published in terms of section 21 of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act 39 of 2004 (NEMAQA), and applications for the issuance of Provisional Atmospheric Emission Licences (PAELs).

The purpose of the Forum will be to conduct an extensive consultative process with key interested and affected parties to assess and present all significant relevant research and analysis in a public forum for review and interrogation, and to report to the Minister on the outcome. The report will provide the Minister with practical options to resolve the issues arising in respect of non-compliance with the MES and applications for issuance of PAELs, taking into consideration Minister’s constitutional and legislative mandate and the country’s international commitments, health and wellbeing of people, the energy crisis and the local economic climate.

The Forum shall consist of a maximum of six experts appointed by the Minister, with qualifications in and an extensive knowledge with respect to air quality, human health, economics, engineering, energy and environmental management.

The following fields of speciality and qualifications are required for members to serve on the committee:

• Health Practitioner
• Economist
• Environmental Specialist / Scientist
• Chemical / Metallurgical / Mechanical Engineer

Members of the public are invited to submit written nominations for suitable persons to be appointed as members of the Forum on or before 26 May 2022.

For a copy of the Government Gazette Notice click here.